A vermiform problematicum from the Dinantian of Foulden, Berwickshire, Scotland

Abstract

ABSTRACTA unique specimen of an unusual elongate segmented compression fossil, Polylurida aenigmatica n. gen., n. sp., is described and illustrated. The bilaterally-symmetrical, dorsoventral structure (c. 6·5 cm long × 0·8 cm maximum width) narrows towards both ends and is subdivided into approximately 19 similar tapering segments, showing no evidence of tagmosis, appendages or an internal gut. The segments are covered with a substantial papillose organic cuticle, each segment bearing towards one end a pair of transverse calcareous bars. These bars are perforated by simple canals filled with strands of dark organic material which traverse their whole thickness and flare out superficially to form pores on both their lower and upper surfaces. Internal horizontal lamination of the bar material suggests an episodic accretionary pattern of skeletal growth. The bars appear to represent internal skeletal structures and are restricted to one side (dorsal or ventral) of the body, where the adjacent cuticle is locally thickened to form a corresponding series of discrete paired densely papillose transverse bands. Although Polyurida may be an unusual segmented worm, its singular suite of characters and lack of data prevent assignment to any higher taxon.